CH / will it ruin kitchen

[1606mel]

Hi, I am looking to fit a new kitchen within the next few months but also have an extremely old (but reliable) gravity fed CH system that will eventually need upgrading probably to a combi . I just wondered if in a year or so i have the whole system updated will it ruin my new kitchen or can they work round it?

 

[muggles]

Depends on the layout of your kitchen and location of the boiler, but if you're thinking of making the change anyway then it might be a good idea to get it done in advance. At the very least you should get the pipework prep done, but without knowing what boiler you'll be fitting it'll be impossible to get any new pipework perfectly lined up for a neat install.

 

[Madrab]

If you forward plan a cupboard near a wall so it can be used for a boiler if and when you need it. Just ensure it is modular and a section of worktop could be removed so it has enough space for a wall hung and if needed can be dismantled for better access and the pipework can be run if it needs to drop, rather than rise.

Where is the current boiler and pipework?

 

[1606mel]

It’s an l shape with the existing boiler in the corner on the outside wall, the pipe work goes over the top of the top of the cabinets so I’m hoping that would be the same with any replacement? I’ve been quoted upward of 5k for a new system & can’t afford to get both this & the kitchen done (I am more desperate for a new kitchen than a boiler)

 

[gas112]

i would get a couple more quotes for boiler but would definitely get it done first far easier to design and fit a kitchen around a boiler , pipework etc than vice versa also less chance of any damage to new kitchen regardless of how careful people will be

 

[Madrab]

Are they quoting 5K for a new boiler or is that rads and pipework too (hope it is)??

As @gas112 suggest, get more quotes and ask what they are recommending and why and if at all possible do it at the same time.

Yes, no reason the existing layout of rising pipework couldn't still be used.

 

[johnny2007]

This is what I usually do when fitting a kitchen and there's an old boiler.
I get my boiler engineer around when old kitchen is totally out (empty room) and let him pass all the pipes needed for a new system.
Usually it's all below worktop or near existing boiler, so no unsightly pipes sticking out.
This avoids drama when new system is installed.
Mind you, he's specialised in Worcester and vaillant, so I suppose he fits pipes fit for these 2 brands.
As others said, maybe other brands need different pipes.
Something to consider though.
A boiler engineer would be the best person to advise you.

 

[muggles]

Are they quoting 5K for a new boiler or is that rads and pipework too (hope it is)??

As @gas112 suggest, get more quotes and ask what they are recommending and why and if at all possible do it at the same time.

Yes, no reason the existing layout of rising pipework couldn't still be used.

£5k for an OV to combi conversion isn't too out of the way, depending on where you are in the country of course. I'd certainly be comfortable charging that

 

[BlueLoo]

Why do you want a combi?

What's wrong with the existing system?

 

[Madrab]

depending on where you are in the country of course

Yup, I guess that's what it comes down to. If it was just the boiler conversion without anything else and all to be in the same place etc then I would probably be less than that, site and situation dependent of course.

 

[1606mel]

Why do you want a combi?

What's wrong with the existing system?

It works fine but is a very old potterton boiler probably over 30yrs old & not the most economical, would also like to get rid of the hot water tank in the bedroom

 

[Madrab]

Have you ever used a combi? Is it just yourself or are there others in the house?

Do be prepared if you are using a shower that's not electric and fed by the combi, if you get rid of the HW cylinder then normally the combi will only supply one HW outlet at a time.

 

[DP]

It works fine but is a very old potterton boiler probably over 30yrs old & not the most economical, would also like to get rid of the hot water tank in the bedroom

Pressuring old system can end in tears. If your heart is set on a combi, Intergas fitted as open vented is the way to go. You will almost certainly need to upgrade gas line to the meter.

Alternative is better controls on present boiler to economise. Convert hot water to pumped. Quite possibly overall running cost when breakdown and parts are factored in, wonder if present boiler is going to balance out cost wise